The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) is delighted to announce that Melissa Read, Head of UK Offshore Wind at Equinor, and Andrew Elmes, Head of Government Affairs UK & Ireland at Siemens Energy, have been appointed OWIC Vice-Chairs by the Energy Minister and Government Co-Chair of OWIC Michael Shanks.
Melissa Read brings over 25 years of experience in developing, executing and operating renewable energy projects, with 15 years in offshore wind. She has held senior strategic positions across UK offshore wind projects, alongside industry roles working closely with Government and regulators to shape policy frameworks, and working with the supply chain to accelerate deployment.
From a first career in the British Army, Andrew Elmes has spent the last 17 years in the renewables sector where he has led projects to install several UK onshore and offshore wind farms as well as helping establish Siemens Energy's port and marshalling capability in Hull.
They are taking over their respective roles from Susie Lind and Clark MacFarlane, who OWIC has thanked for their excellent work.
Energy Minister and Government Co-Chair of OWIC, Michael Shanks said:
"I'm delighted to welcome Melissa Read and Andrew Elmes as Vice-Chairs of the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC).
"Offshore wind is the backbone of Britain's clean power future, providing home-grown energy that strengthens our security, protects households from fossil fuel price shocks, and creates thousands of skilled jobs.
"Together with industry, OWIC will drive faster build-out, unlock investment, and ensure the benefits of offshore wind reach every region across the UK."
Equinor's Melissa Read said:
"I am delighted to be appointed as Vice-Chair of OWIC. 2025 marks 25 years of offshore wind in the UK and in that time we have positioned the UK as a global leader. The UK has an ambitious target of achieving Clean Power by 2030 which requires strong collaboration between industry players, UK Government, regulators and influential stakeholders. OWIC's strategic forum is key to driving this success, strengthening energy security and unlocking the UK's journey towards net zero."
Siemens Energy's Andrew Elmes said:
"I am honoured by the opportunity to bring my project and infrastructure experience to this role, along with the perspective of the country's largest energy supply chain company, to maximise the offshore wind contribution to our Clean Power 30 mission and beyond".
The Industry Co-Chair of OWIC Adam Morrison, Ocean Winds UK Country Manager said:
"It's great to see Melissa and Andrew stepping up as Vice-Chairs at this crucial time for the industry, as we have a record amount of new capacity eligible for the upcoming auction for new offshore wind projects to go ahead. OWIC is working hard to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity to strengthen the country's energy security and stabilise electricity bills by maximising the volume that the UK Government procures in this vital allocation round, to maximise the opportunities to support growth in jobs and the supply chain. Andrew and Melissa bring valuable experience and are taking on key roles which will help us to achieve this".
RenewableUK's Offshore Wind Delivery Team is responsible for implementing OWIC's work programme. RenewableUK's Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper said:
"Melissa and Andrew will help us to deliver OWIC's wide-ranging work programme, including the expansion of our UK-based offshore wind supply chain all around the country, providing vital economic growth. By focussing on high-value goods and services, we can triple our current manufacturing capacity, create 10,000 extra supply chain jobs and boost the UK's economy by a further £25 billion between now and 2035".
